The Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry stepped in Friday to correct a briefing slip-up. What was announced as 4.05 lakh new LPG connections over five weeks actually refers to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) activations. ‘We apologize for the inadvertent error,’ the ministry stated unequivocally.
To date, 4.05 lakh PNG connections stand active, backed by 4.41 lakh fresh registrations. This progress underscores a strategic pivot to efficient gas distribution networks.
Despite geopolitical headwinds, LPG cylinders flow smoothly to homes nationwide—no dry-outs at any outlet. Authorities encourage embracing PNG or electric alternatives while calling for prudent energy use.
Panic purchases of fuel and cooking gas are discouraged; rely solely on verified channels. Digital LPG bookings surge to 98%, with Aadhaar-authenticated deliveries at 92%, streamlining supply chains and minimizing leaks.
Essential services like hospitals and educational institutions receive top-priority allocations. Anti-hoarding drives yield results: Thursday’s 3,800+ raids netted 450 cylinders. Totals climb to 1.2 lakh operations, 57,000 seizures, 950 FIRs filed, and 229 culprits in custody.
Oil marketing companies tighten controls, dispatching over 2,100 notices, penalizing 204 distributors with fines, and revoking 53 licenses. In a positive shift, 18,000+ consumers ditched LPG for PNG via online portals.
All refineries hum at full throttle, crude reserves plentiful. Petrol-diesel stocks hold strong, LPG output boosted for domestic needs. These measures fortify India’s energy security against global uncertainties.
